Coordination Units to support the National Rural Generalist Pathway

Overview

The Australian Government has initiated steps to build the foundations for a future National Rural Generalist Pathway (the national pathway), committing $62.2 million (GST exclusive) in funding announced as part of the 2019-20 Budget. Implementation of the national pathway will require cooperation and commitments from a range of stakeholders, including State and Territory governments. The national pathway will provide a coordinated, efficient medical training pathway with nationally recognised skills to support rural generalists to deliver quality health care in rural, remote and regional communities. Funding to establish the national pathway includes three core elements: 1. Application for recognition of Rural Generalist Medicine as a specialised field within the specialty of general practice through the Medical Board of Australia (MBA); 2. Improved coordination of training for rural generalists; and 3. Expansion of primary care training through the Rural Junior Doctor Training Innovation Fund (RJDTIF). The purpose of this grant opportunity is to provide Commonwealth funding to create or continue coordination units in each State and the Northern Territory. Coordination units will help to facilitate a smooth transition for rural generalist trainees through the various education and training components for the first six years of post-graduate training. An additional grant opportunity to continue the grant activities will be advertised in 2020.